William O'Brien State Park
William O'Brien State Park, O Brien Trail North, Marine on Saint Croix, MN, USA
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
$$
hikes, water-activities, outdoor-adventures
Happyly is better in app
Get the Happyly app to discover more activities like this one, plus get curated adveture plans, build lists of activities to try and more!
Enter your phone number to receive a download link
William O'Brien State Park is a wonderful park offering year-long activities to have some family fun.
Located northeast of Minneapolis, near the Minnesota/ Wisconsin border, William O'Brien State Park features hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, canoeing and fishing, naturalist programs, bird watching, lake beach swimming, and more. First, stop by the visitor center to learn about the park and which activities are best for you and your family. The park rangers are helpful in finding the perfect activities. While in the visitor center, enjoy the interpretive exhibits and learn about the programs offered by the park's naturalists.
There are many trails in the park to enjoy. With 12 miles of hiking, there is something for everyone in the family. One of the most accessible and family-friendly is the Riverside Trail. The Riverside Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that's fully accessible and gives you views of the St. Croix River and Lake Alice with interpretive signage to learn about the ecology and history of the area. You start at the picnic grounds and follow the signs. There are benches along the trail to rest and take in the views.
During the summer, cool off in Lake Alice. This spring-fed lake stays beautiful all year long. Bring a beach blanket, towel, sunscreen, and swimsuit and take a dip in the refreshing water. During the winter, however, enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skate and ski trails. This is a popular destination during the winter to get some recreational fun in.
The Savanna Campground is along the St. Croix River and across the street from the visitor center. There is a tent, RVs, and cabins to enjoy. The camper cabins are one-room wooden cabins with a table, benches, and bunk beds with mattresses. There are three year-round cabins and one seasonal cabin to enjoy if tent camping isn't your thing.
The park also offers equipment to use for the day or overnight like GPS units, fishing poles, tackle boxes, birding kits, sports equipment, and bocce balls.
William O'Brien State Park is a perfect spot for families to enjoy all year long. Check it out for your next family outdoor adventure. You won't be disappointed. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @mnstateparksandtrails for updates and happenings on some of your favorite state parks in Minnesota.